Project 1: Xilinx CPLD Programmer

I have no idea exactly how much this simple programmer would cost us if we were to buy it from the store. But it only took me less than four hours to solder the whole things. Below is the the schematics of the programmer, taken from here:

Below is the picture of the programmer:

This is the top side:

Bottom side:

The PCB track (before drilling):

The size of the first prototype is around 6.4 X 13cm. As you can see, soldering on breadboard is not very neat and hold the components as strong as it would on a fabricated PCB. The size of the PCB of the last picture is around 5.5 X 13cm. You would think that there's no much space saving, but the biggest advantage here is you can keep this board longer and carry it around without worrying the wires joints will get broken.

PCB Making Process Types

There are 3 types I use to make PCB:

1) Toner Transfer Methods
    This is a very basic PCB making process, where the layout is printed on "Transfer Paper" which is then transfered to the PCB. This methods works fine if the layout is not very dense.

2) Dryfilm Photoresist
    I use negative type films. Some of the populars ones are produced by DuPont ad MG Chemicals.

3) CNC Routing
    This is essentially to route the track by isolating the tracks using a CNC machine.